I’ve had the privilege of getting to know some truly remarkable NFL receivers through the captivating series “Receiver” on Netflix. Each player’s story is unique and inspiring in its own right, but there are a few that have left an indelible impact on me.
Starting on July 10, 2024, “Receiver” by Netflix becomes available for streaming, currently ranking as the third most-watched TV show in the United States. This engrossing NFL docuseries follows up on the success of “Quarterback,” and focuses on five exceptional wide receivers in the league. The series not only highlights their rigorous training regimens to excel at their position, but also offers a glimpse into how they manage their personal lives.
During the 2023-24 NFL season, cameras capture the journeys of five wide receivers, providing fans with an intimate look into their lives. Through this access, fans discover each player’s background, uncover what fuels their competitive spirit, witness how they handle wins and losses, recover from injuries to play alongside their teammates, and aim for excellence in their position within the league. The enlightening and motivational stories of every NFL player featured in Netflix’s “Receiver” are worth exploring further.
Davante Adams — Las Vegas Raiders
In his eleventh year in the NFL, Davante Adams continues to uphold his standing as the most well-rounded wide receiver in the league. Originally a second-round selection by the Green Bay Packers in 2014, Adams earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2017 and established a strong connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Throughout his ten-year tenure, Adams has headed the league in touchdowns on two occasions (2020, 2022), received six Pro Bowl invitations, and garnered three All-Pro recognitions. However, since joining the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, Adams has continued to perform well but has yet to experience team accomplishments.
Adams has consistently showcased his sharp route running, reliable catchings skills, and resilience, playing in all 34 games since joining the Raiders. In the 2022 season, he reeled in an impressive 100 passes for a total of 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns, cementing his elite standing. In contrast, during the 2023 season, Adams caught 103 balls for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns. The widely-acclaimed football documentary features Adams expressing his disappointment over working with inexperienced quarterbacks, limited targets, and the team’s instability following a mid-season coaching change. With more years experienced than remaining, Adams also shares his intentions of leaving an enduring legacy in Las Vegas after establishing a significant portion of his career in Green Bay.
Justin Jefferson — Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson, like Davante Adams, is recognized as one of the most gifted wide receivers in the National Football League. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the first round during the 2020 draft. Jefferson boasts an impressive physique, with long limbs, remarkable athleticism, and explosive power. In his debut season, he caught 88 passes for a total of 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. His sophomore year saw him improve further, hauling in 108 receptions for an impressive 1,616 yards and ten scores. Each year, Jefferson’s skills continue to develop, with his best season being in 2022 when he caught a record-breaking 128 passes for a staggering 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. On average, Jefferson manages an astounding 98.3 receiving yards per game.
Unfortunately, an injury to Jefferson’s hamstring during week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs brought an untimely end to his 2023 season. Despite trying to push through the injury, his time as a Receiver was marked by rehab sessions, downtime, and being unable to support his teammates. During this period of rest, Jefferson enjoyed celebrating his daughter’s birthday and reflecting on what truly matters in his personal life. In June 2024, despite missing the previous season due to injury, Jefferson signed an impressive contract extension with a value of $140 million over four years. This deal makes him both the highest-paid NFL wide receiver and the highest-paid non-quarterback, with a guaranteed sum of $110 million.
George Kittle — San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle, a slight deviation from the norm, is a Tight End for the San Francisco 49ers. His charisma and larger-than-life presence, showcased in “Venom” commercials, draws people in effortlessly. A fifth-round pick by the 49ers in 2017, Kittle has surpassed expectations to emerge as one of the elite Tight Ends in the league. He excels not only at catching passes but also blocks effectively for both runners and wide receivers. Kittle’s infectious enthusiasm is evident both on and off the field. Since 2018, he has been a full-time starter, playing all 16 games and collecting 88 receptions for 1,377 yards.
In the year 2023, Kittle recorded his third-best statistical performance with 65 receptions for a total of 1,020 yards and six touchdowns. Kittle is an immovable force in the running game, making his contributions to the 49ers offense invaluable. However, despite personal and collective triumphs, Kittle has endured two heart-wrenching defeats in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Alongside his teammate Deebo Samuel, Kittle shares their experiences of reaching the Super Bowl, the challenges of returning, potential adjustments to secure victory next time, and how those losses drive the team to enhance their performance. With age catching up to them, the 49ers are anticipated to compete in another Super Bowl during the 2024-2025 season.
Deebo Samuel — San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel is a versatile offensive threat who can effectively play both wide receiver and running back roles during any given play. Selected in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, Samuel’s most impressive season was in 2021, with 77 receptions for an astounding 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. That year, he boasted the highest average yards per reception (18.2) among all players in the league. With a robust build reminiscent of a running back and the deft hands of a receiver, Samuel is renowned for evading defenders and shedding tackles. He demonstrates an unyielding courage to charge through the middle of the field and can turn even a short slant pass into a touchdown if not contained by defenders.
During his five-year tenure in the NFL, Samuel has accomplished a total of 19 receiving and 19 rushing touchdowns. His versatility is comparable to that of a Swiss Army Knife, as he has demonstrated time and again. Samuel’s teams have qualified for the playoffs in four out of five seasons, with two disappointing Super Bowl losses against the Kansas City Chiefs being their only setbacks. Regardless of who his quarterback is – Jimmy Garoppolo or Brock Purdy – Samuel continues to be an indispensable asset to his team due to his diverse skillset that extends beyond just being a receiver. His ability to excel in various positions makes him an essential player on the field at all times.
Amon-Ra St. Brown — Detroit Lions
In the fourth round of the draft, I found myself joining the Detroit Lions. With an indomitable spirit and relentless determination passed down from my father, two-time Mr. Universe champion John Brown, I’ve been instrumental in bringing back the fierce pride to this once lackluster Lions team. In my debut season, I hauled in a whopping 90 passes. But that was just the beginning! In my sophomore year, I started all 16 games and reeled in an impressive 106 balls for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns. Come 2023, I earned my first All-Pro nod after snatching a career-best 119 passes for an astounding 1,515 yards and ten touchdowns.
In the 2023 Netflix sports documentary, St. Brown’s tenacity is showcased after he suffers a severe oblique muscle injury that detaches it from the bone during the initial games. Remarkably, he missed just one matchup, and his impressive comeback performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers proved crucial as the Lions went on to defeat them again in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Due to Saint’s exceptional production and leadership, Detroit advanced to the NFC Championship but ultimately fell short against the 49ers after relinquishing a substantial halftime lead. During the off-season of 2023-24, the Lions secured St. Brown’s services for an impressive four-year deal worth $120 million, cementing his standing as one of the NFL’s most indispensable wide receivers.
Receiver is available to stream now on Netflix.
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2024-07-18 23:02